Snow White

Snow White tells the story of a kind‑hearted princess whose beauty and goodness provoke the jealousy of her wicked stepmother, Queen Evamean. With the help of her friends, a charming prince, and a little magic, Snow White must escape danger, outwit evil, and ultimately find her happily‑ever‑after. It’s a classic tale, and Urmston Musical Theatre brought it to life with all the sparkle, humour, and heart that make pantomime such a beloved tradition.

From the moment we arrived, we were warmly greeted by Anita Partridge, Chairman of the Society. The hospitality and genuine welcome at Urmston Musical Theatre is always a delight, and it sets the tone for the entire evening. There’s something special about a company that makes every audience member feel valued before the show even begins.

Taking to our seats, I was, as always, massively impressed by how this Society builds their theatre from scratch inside what is essentially a sports hall. Sitting there, surrounded by a fully realised theatrical space, you would never guess its original purpose. The transformation is remarkable, and it speaks volumes about the dedication, craftsmanship, and passion of the volunteers who make it happen. Written by Barry Bentley and directed by Richard Gaffney, this pantomime was brilliant because it captured the perfect balance of traditional storytelling, modern humour, and community spirit. Richard’s direction ensured the pacing was tight, the comedy landed, and the heart of the story remained intact. Barry’s script was full of wit, charm, and clever references that kept both children and adults entertained throughout.

The live orchestra, perfectly led by Musical Director Ed Nurse, was another standout element. The music was vibrant, polished, and beautifully balanced with the on‑stage action. Ed’s leadership ensured that every cue was sharp and every musical number had the energy and warmth that only a live orchestra can provide. The musicians supported the cast wonderfully, enhancing the emotional moments and elevating the comedic ones. The vast number of performers on stage was impressive, and the choreography led by Emma Bowyer was lively, well‑structured, and accessible to all ages and abilities. Emma’s routines filled the stage and despite the large cast, the choreography remained coordinated. The ensemble added a wonderful sense of community to the production.

Princess Snow White, played by Rachel Mellor, brought a warmth and sincerity to the role. Her vocals were clear and sweet, and she carried herself with the grace and charm befitting a fairytale princess. Rachel’s connection with the younger audience members was particularly lovely to see. Prince Bruno, played by Megan Collier, delivered a confident and charismatic performance. Megan embraced the traditional panto‑prince style while adding her own flair, and her stage presence was strong throughout. She handled the musical numbers with assurance and brought a lovely sense of humour to the role. Bradley Wigglesworth was great at playing Dame Nora Crumble because he fully embodied the larger‑than‑life personality required of a panto dame. Bradley’s comedic timing was excellent, and he had a natural rapport with the audience. His costumes, expressions, and quick‑fire delivery made every scene he appeared in a joy to watch. He struck the perfect balance between silliness and sincerity, making Dame Nora both hilarious and endearing.

Stephanie Niland was fantastic as Queen Evamean. She never let her characterisation slip once, maintaining the wicked queen’s arrogance, vanity, and deliciously evil charm from start to finish. Stephanie was great at drawing forth those all‑important boos from the audience, and she clearly relished every moment of villainy. Added to that, her vocals were powerful and controlled, giving her musical numbers real impact. Rocky, played by Joshua Frodsham, was nothing short of brilliant. His characterisation was sharp, energetic, and consistently funny. Joshua has a natural ability to connect with the audience, and his physical comedy was executed with confidence and precision. He brought a youthful vibrancy to the stage and elevated every scene he was in. Mirror Mirror, played by Kathleen Valentine, certainly had the audience captivated. Kathleen delivered the role with elegance and a touch of mystery, and her vocal delivery added a magical quality to her scenes. Her presence helped anchor the fairytale elements of the story, and she provided a lovely contrast to the more chaotic characters.

One of the highlights of the evening was the B&M song with the bags a brilliant, creative, and hilarious number that had the audience roaring with laughter. It was a clever modern twist that felt perfectly placed within the pantomime, and the cast executed it with impeccable timing.

The Tiny Troupe was great at bringing energy, humour, and cohesion to the ensemble scenes. Their commitment to character, even in the background, added depth and richness to the production. They supported the leads beautifully and helped maintain the lively atmosphere throughout. Overall, the pantomime was a success because it combined strong performances, clever direction, vibrant music, and a genuine sense of community. Urmston Musical Theatre once again demonstrated their ability to transform a simple space into a magical world and deliver a show full of heart, humour, and joy. Snow White was everything a pantomime should be fun, festive, and full of life.

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